1994 BMW 854 vs. 1949 Bristol 402
To start off, 1994 BMW 854 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Bristol 402. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Bristol 402 would be higher. At 5,378 cc (12 cylinders), 1994 BMW 854 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW 854 (323 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1949 Bristol 402. (85 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW 854 should accelerate faster than 1949 Bristol 402. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 854 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1949 Bristol 402. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1994 BMW 854 (490 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Bristol 402. (145 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 BMW 854 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Bristol 402. 1994 BMW 854 has automatic transmission and 1949 Bristol 402 has manual transmission. 1949 Bristol 402 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1994 BMW 854 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 854 | 1949 Bristol 402 | |
| Make | BMW | Bristol |
| Model | 854 | 402 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5378 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2900 mm |
